Visual Efficiency Calculator (AMA)

The Visual Efficiency (VE) score is a standardized method used to quantify the functional capability of vision, translating Snellen acuity measurements (like 20/40 or 20/200) into a percentage that represents the remaining functional vision, not the percentage of loss. This conversion is crucial because it is not linear; for example, a Snellen acuity of 20/40 (0.5 decimal) does not equate to 50% visual efficiency, but rather to a much higher percentage (around 85-95%), indicating only a mild functional impairment. This calculator is typically based on standardized tables, such as those published by the American Medical Association (AMA) in its 'Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment.' These tables are the gold standard for medical-legal and impairment assessments, providing a consistent way to evaluate vision loss for disability claims, insurance, and peritial reports. The scale ranges from 100% (corresponding to 20/20 vision, or no impairment) down to 20% (for 20/200, a threshold for legal blindness) and even 0% for profound vision loss. This tool is essential for ophthalmologists, neurologists, and medical experts to objectively document visual impairment, communicate its severity, and monitor functional loss over time.